Methods and apparatuses using processors and memory powered by wireless energy

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with wireless energy are described. In one embodiment, a method can comprise collecting an energy that is transmitted wirelessly to produce a collected energy. The method can also comprise supplying the collected energy to a device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.nonprovisional application Ser. No. 12/752,081, now U.S. Pat. No.9,692,485, and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/165,486 filed onMar. 31, 2009, which are hereby wholly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

An electronic device can use an energy to function. The energy can beused to perform various functions. Example functions can includepowering a screen, running a processor, retaining information in memory,and others. Before being used to perform functions, energy can beretained in a battery and used when appropriate. In one embodiment, theenergy is a wireless energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the detailed description, illustrate various example systems,methods, and other example embodiments of various innovative aspects.These drawings include:

FIG. 1 that illustrates one embodiment of a system where energy issupplied to a wireless energy emitter,

FIG. 2 that illustrates one embodiment of a system where a wirelessenergy emitter checks for a change condition,

FIG. 3 that illustrates one embodiment of a system where a wirelessenergy receiver and connector component supply a device with energy,

FIG. 4 that illustrates one embodiment of a system where a wirelessenergy receiver and connector supply a device with energy pursuant topermission controls,

FIG. 5 that illustrates one embodiment of a system where wireless energyis transmitted from a transmitter and received by a receiver,

FIG. 6 that illustrates one embodiment of a system where a transmittertransmits wireless energy to a receiver in a device,

FIG. 7 that illustrates one embodiment of a system where a plurality oftransmitters transmit wireless energy to a plurality of receivers,

FIG. 8 that illustrates one embodiment of a system where a device bothreceives and transmits wireless power,

FIG. 9 that illustrates one embodiment of a system where a wirelessenergy receiver powers an outlet or socket that powers a device using aplug compatible with such,

FIG. 10 that illustrates one embodiment of a system where a wirelessenergy emitter receives energy from a socket or outlet, and emits energyfor reception by a wireless energy receiver configured to connect to adevice to power the device,

FIG. 11A that illustrates one embodiment of a device that is constructedusing wiring and physical connections between internal components,

FIG. 11B that illustrates one embodiment of a device that is constructedwithout the use of wiring and physical connections between internalcomponents,

FIG. 12 that illustrates one embodiment of a device receiving both dataand power wirelessly,

FIG. 13 that illustrates one embodiment of a method for causingcomponents to be supplied with wireless power,

FIG. 14 that illustrates one embodiment of a method for causingrule-based control of transmitted energy and data,

FIG. 15 that illustrates one embodiment of a method for powering anoperation based on characteristics of the operation,

FIG. 16 that illustrates one embodiment of a method for causingrule-based control of wireless electricity,

FIG. 17 that illustrates one embodiment of a method for causing thecollection of emitted energy,

FIG. 18 that illustrates one embodiment of a method for causing the useof multiple wireless power techniques,

FIG. 19 that illustrates re-transmission of energy received wirelessly,

FIG. 20 that illustrates a method for supplying energy to a device,

FIG. 21 that illustrates one embodiment of an example system that can beused in practice of at least one innovative aspect disclosed herein, and

FIG. 22 that illustrates one embodiment of an example system that can beused in practice of at least one innovative aspect disclosed herein.

It will be appreciated that illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes,groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one exampleof the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatin some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements orthat multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples,an element shown as an internal component of another element may beimplemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore,elements may not be drawn to scale. These elements and other variationsare considered to be embraced by the general theme of the figures, andit is understood that the drawings are intended to convey the spirit ofcertain features related to this application, and are by no meansregarded as exhaustive or fully inclusive in their representations.

The terms ‘may’ and ‘can’ are used to indicate a permitted feature, oralternative embodiments, depending on the context of the description ofthe feature or embodiments. In one example, a sentence states ‘A can beAA’ or ‘A may be AA’. Thus, in the former case, in one embodiment A isAA, and in another embodiment A is not AA. In the latter case, A may beselected to be AA, or A may be selected not to be AA. However, this isan example of A, and A should not be construed as only being AA. Ineither case, however, the alternative or permitted embodiments in thewritten description are not to be construed as injecting ambiguity intothe appended claims. Where claim ‘x’ recites A is AA, for instance, thenA is not to be construed as being other than AA for purposes of claim x.This is construction is so despite any permitted or alternative featuresand embodiments described in the written description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are example systems, methods, and other embodimentsassociated with uses of wireless energy. A system can employ wirelessenergy, and techniques can be employed to deliver wireless energy topowered devices. A device can have equipment to enable use of wirelessenergy built in. Alternatively, other or supplemental equipment can beemployed to enable or retrofit devices for wireless power. Wirelessenergy equipment can include adapters, outlets, base stations, etcetera.

An example system can be a device enabled to employ energy receivedwirelessly. This energy can provide for uses such as device operation,to recharge stores, or to provide to other devices or components, andothers. The device can be enabled to receive energy via integratedcomponents, add-on or plug-in components, external componentsindependent of the device and/or others. In some embodiments, a wirelessoutlet, socket or plug can be provided that allows device energysupplies to operate as if they were connected via a wired energy supply.

The use of wireless energy enables a variety of embodiments ofassociated devices through a variety of aspects and features. Forexample, devices can be constructed to employ wireless communication andenergy between components, and thus be wholly wireless. Such embodimentsobviate the use of time-consuming and failure-prone wiring andsoldering, resulting in more durable devices capable of being producedfaster and with less expense. Further, in some embodiments, a wirelessenergy emitter can be used as an energy regulator by transmitting energyout of the system if a spike or surge is detected. In at least oneembodiment, alternative means of energy generation can be employed toprovide energy to a wireless energy transmitter component, and increasethe self-sufficiency of users and devices.

In addition, some embodiments can provide for the consolidation ofvarious wireless protocols. For example, in embodiments employingwireless communication, data can be associated with or coupled withenergy provided. In one embodiment, transmitters and/or base units thattransmit data and energy simultaneously from a single apparatus areemployed. In one embodiment, data and energy can be coupled orassociated and then transmitted. In one embodiment, data can betransmitted in such a way as to underlay energy.

Where this application refers to “wireless energy transfer,” “wirelessenergy emission,” “wireless energy transmission,” “wireless energycollection,” “wireless energy reception,” et cetera, and similar phrasesconcerning electricity or other means for powering devices, a number oftechniques, schemes, manners, modes or means can be employed toaccomplish such energizing effect. These techniques can include, but arenot limited to, induction (magnetic, resonant or non-resonant inductivecoupling, capacitive coupling, et cetera), radio and microwave (usingrectenna or other means), laser (optical energy), electrical conduction,and others. Inductive techniques can include circuit features such asmultiple coils to enhance coupling in a variety of componentorientations within the generated electromagnetic field. Variousassemblies for these and other wireless power techniques that are knownto one of ordinary skill in the art and can be applied to the benefit offeatures described herein. Further, an assortment of converters can beused to convert electricity (or other energy) into energy suitable forwireless emission or transmission, and similar or other converters canbe employed to convert energy collected or received wirelessly toelectricity (or other energy). The techniques described are not intendedto be limiting, but rather set forth certain example standards foraccomplishing some aspects and embodiments discussed in thisapplication. In one embodiment, two or more of these techniques can beemployed by a single device or component, a plurality of devices orcomponents that share collected or received energy.

In one embodiment, passive elements can be employed to supplementoperation or serve as elements to be energized or de-energized throughexposure to an electric or magnetic field to perform operation usingwireless power or to serve other functions (e.g., identification,authentication, switching, et cetera) in conjunction with other wirelesspower techniques.

While these provide particular aspects of at least one embodiment, otherapplications involving different features, variations or combinations ofaspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on thefollowing details relating to the drawings and other portions of thisapplication.

The following paragraphs include definitions of selected terms discussedat least in the detailed description. The definitions may includeexamples used to explain features of terms and are not intended to belimiting. In addition, where a singular term is disclosed, it is to beappreciated that plural terms are also covered by the definitions.Conversely, where a plural term is disclosed, it is to be appreciatedthat a singular term is also covered by the definition.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example”, “anexample”, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) sodescribed may include a particular feature. The embodiment(s) orexample(s) are shown to highlight one feature and no inference should bedrawn that every embodiment necessarily includes that feature. Multipleusages of the phrase “in one embodiment” and others do not necessarilyrefer to the same embodiment; however this term may refer to the sameembodiment. It is to be appreciated that multiple examples and/orembodiments may be combined together to form another embodiment.

“Computer-readable medium”, as used herein, refers to a medium thatstores signals, instructions, and/or data. A computer may access acomputer-readable medium and read information stored on thecomputer-readable medium. In one embodiment, the computer-readablemedium stores instruction and the computer can perform thoseinstructions as a method. The computer-readable medium may take forms,including, but not limited to, non-volatile media (e.g., optical disks,magnetic disks, and so on), and volatile media (e.g., semiconductormemories, dynamic memory, and so on). Example forms of acomputer-readable medium may include, but are not limited to, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, other magneticmedium, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), aprogrammable logic device, a compact disk (CD), other optical medium, arandom access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a memory chip orcard, a memory stick, and other media from which a computer, a processoror other electronic device can read.

“Component”, “logic”, “module”, “interface” and the like as used herein,includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software stored or inexecution on a machine, a routine, a data structure, and/or at least onecombination of these (e.g., hardware and software stored). Component,logic, module, and interface may be used interchangeably. A componentmay be used to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause afunction or action from another component, method, and/or system. Acomponent may include a software controlled microprocessor, a discretelogic (e.g., ASIC), an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmedlogic device, a memory device containing instructions, a process runningon a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread ofexecution, a program, a computer and so on. A component may include oneor more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Wheremultiple components are described, it may be possible to incorporate themultiple components into one physical component. Similarly, where asingle component is described, it may be possible to distribute thatsingle component between multiple physical components. In oneembodiment, the multiple physical components are distributed among anetwork. By way of illustration, both/either a controller and/or anapplication running on a controller can be one or more components.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system 100 with a connectorcomponent 110 and a transmitter component 120. The connector component110 can connect to a source (e.g., an energy source). The energy sourcecan be a source that supplies an energy. In one embodiment, this energysource can be an electrical energy source. The electrical energy sourcecan be an outlet, a wire or line (e.g., high voltage electrical, lowvoltage electrical, connection to a computer port or other device, etcetera), a converter or adapter, a battery, a power plant, a generator,multiples or combinations thereof, et cetera. The source can be fixed orchange over time or according to other goals or limitations (e.g.,location, movement, system downtime, time of day, time of year, energycosts, availability of alternatives, economic factors, environmentalfactors, cost or consumption containment at either source or receiver,et cetera), and multiple or redundant sources can be employed dependingon the load, demand or situational context of a particular use (e.g.,critical use requiring backups, intermittent use that can bediscontinued periodically, et cetera). In one or more embodiments, theenergy can be supplied to connector component 110 via wireless orcontact-less energy provisioning means. The electrical source powersconnector component 110, which in turns supplies energy to thetransmitter component 120. The transmitter component 120 can transmitwireless energy for reception by devices enabled to benefit fromwireless energy. Transmitter component 120 can utilize near-field orfar-field wireless energy techniques, or combinations thereof, andothers. For example, in one embodiment, the transmitter component 120can be configured to employ both inductive coupling and infrared lasersto emit power to one or more devices.

In one embodiment, the transmitter component 120 can emit the energy toa device. In one example, the transmitter component 120 identifies aparticular device (e.g., identifies a device low on power, receives aninstruction that energy should be sent to a device, and others). Thetransmitter component 120 can evaluate the device (e.g., to determinehow much energy to send to the device) and send the energy based, atleast in part, on an evaluation result. In one embodiment, the energy isdirectly emitted to the device. However, other devices may take theenergy. In one embodiment, the energy is masked (e.g., masked such thatother devices do not take the energy intended for the device).

In one embodiment, the transmitter component 120 emits the energywirelessly through two or more wireless energy transmission techniques.In one example, X % of the energy is transmitted by way of a firstwireless energy transmission technique and Y % of the energy istransmitted by way of a second wireless energy transmission technique.In one embodiment, the transmitter component 120 analyzes variousfactors (e.g., weather conditions, past technique performance, andothers) and an analysis result is used to select at least one of the twoor more wireless energy techniques. In one embodiment, a first wirelessenergy technique is used. Performance of the first wireless energytechnique is evaluated and if performance is below a certain threshold,then a second wireless energy technique is selected and employed (e.g.,concurrent with the first wireless energy technique, stopping the firstwireless energy technique, and others).

In one embodiment, the transmitter component 120 emits data wirelesslyconcurrently with wireless emission of the energy. In one embodiment,the transmitter component 120 identifies data designated for a deviceupon which wireless energy is to be directed. Identified data istransmitted concurrently with the wireless energy. In one embodiment,wireless energy is transmitted to a device. During transmission, thedevice is evaluated to determine if data should also be sent with thewireless energy. If a positive determination results, then data can beselected and transmitted concurrently.

In one embodiment, the connector component 110 is configured tophysically separate from the transmitter component. The connectorcomponent 110 can be configured to engage a second transmitter componentthat is substantially similar to the transmitter component 120. Thetransmitter component 120 can be configured to engage a second connectorcomponent that is substantially similar to the connector component 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system 200 with a connectorcomponent 210, a transmitter component 220, and a check component 230.Connector component 210 is configured to receive energy from an energysource or supply. Transmitter component 220 can use energy supplied viaconnector component 210 to emit or broadcast energy wirelessly. Checkcomponent 230 manages connector component 210 and transmitter component220 by at least evaluating, determining or viewing an energy emissionchange condition 240. In one embodiment, the check component 230determines if an energy emission condition (e.g., energy emission changecondition) is met. In one example, the transmitter component 220 canchange emission of the energy in response to the energy emissioncondition being met. Energy emission change condition 240 can be a rule,constraint, contextual characteristic, or other variable that relates tothe system state or other external circumstances. For example, in oneembodiment, the energy emission change condition 240 can be a sourceenergy threshold (e.g., battery level, consistency of supply connection,et cetera). In another embodiment, energy emission change condition 240can be a rule or constraint such as a priority of use or uses, loadmeasurement, source-to-load comparison, et cetera. Depending on thestate of energy emission change condition 240, check component 220 canstop connector component 210 from drawing from the energy supply, orstop transmitter component 220 from transmitting energy wirelessly. Inother embodiments, check component can limit or regulate power to orfrom connector component 210 or transmitter 210. In at least oneembodiment utilizing a plurality of wireless energy transmissiontechniques, check component 230 can enable or disable a particulartechnique. Similarly, in at least one embodiment where connectorcomponent 210 draws from multiple sources and/or where transmittercomponent 220 transmits energy wirelessly to multiple loads, checkcomponent 230 can enable or disable particular sources, or allow ordisallow power to particular loads (e.g., couple/decouple, beam/stopbeaming, emit/cease emission et cetera).

In one embodiment, the transmitter component 220 can stop emission inresponse to the energy emission condition (e.g., energy emission changecondition 240) being met. In one example, the energy emission changecondition 240 can be to change wireless energy transmission if a batterylevel of a device reaches a 90% charge. If the batter level of thedevice reaches the 90% charge, then the energy emission change conditionis met. Based on the energy emission change condition being met, thetransmitter component 220 can stop emission, emit less energy, emit moreenergy, and others.

In one embodiment, the transmitter component 220 can start emission inresponse to the energy emission condition being met. In one example,when a device changes from a ‘sleep’ state to an ‘on’ state, thetransmitter component 220 can emit energy to the device. Thus, theenergy emission condition can be the device changing to the ‘on’ state,the device changing from the ‘sleep’ state to the ‘on’ state, andothers.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a system 300 with a connectorcomponent 310 and a wireless energy receiver component 320. The wirelessenergy receiver component 320 can receive energy via one or morewireless energy transmission techniques. Wireless energy receivercomponent 320 supplies energy to connector component 310 that connectsto device 330 in order to provide power to electronic device 330. Insome embodiments, wireless energy receiver component 320, connectorcomponent 310 and electronic device 330 are a single, physicallyconnected device. In other embodiments, one or more of wireless energyreceiver component 320, connector component 310 and electronic device330 are separate components, and can be physically connected ordisconnected (e.g., one or more components serves as an adaptor foranother component, components are configured to interact wirelessly, etcetera).

The connector component 310 can engage with the electronic device 330.The wireless energy receiver component 320 can collect an energywirelessly and supplies the energy to the electronic device 330 by wayof the connector component 310.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a system 400 where wireless energyreceiver component 420 receives power wirelessly through a connection(e.g., coupling, radio wave reception, microwave reception, laser orother energy beam, et cetera) with wireless energy supply 410. Theconnection can be facilitated by a connector component 440. In someembodiments, wireless energy supply 410 is connected (via the same orother means, including wired or wireless data transmission means) to apermission component 430. The permission component 430 can manage aconnection between the wireless energy receiver component 420 and thewireless energy supply 410. The permission component 430 can determinethe permission(s) of other components in system 400 and/or elsewhere toparticipate in the utilization of wireless energy. Permission component430 can determine a permission that can start, stop, or regulate othercomponents.

In one example, permission component 430 can cause wireless energy powersupply 410 to terminate the power connection with wireless energyreceiver component 420. The permission component 430 can disablewireless energy receiver component 420 and/or cause wireless energyreceiver component 420 to terminate its connection with wireless energysupply 410. Permission component 430 also block connector component 440from receiving energy from wireless energy receiver component 420, thusblocking device 450 from receiving such energy. In one embodiment,permission component 430 can enable such connections or energytransfers. In one embodiment, permission component 430 selectivelymanages connections involving energy going between components. In oneexample, in an embodiment where wireless energy supply 410 is in fact aplurality of wireless energy supplies, permission component 430 canselectively connect or disconnect one or more thereof. Permissioncomponent 430 can evaluate permissions based on a multiplicity ofprocedures, including user prompts for permission information, automaticpermission information, electronic handshake, identification of asource, receiver or device, and others. Passive components (e.g.,passive transponders, Radio-frequency identification tags, et cetera)can be employed to identify or provide information pertinent topermissions. Various wired and wireless methods of data exchange can beemployed to permit transfer of energy between components. A handshakecan take place during a distinct exchange of data, underlay data, and/orenergy already being transferred.

The connector component 440 can be an electrical socket entity (e.g.,socket, plug, male end, female end, and others). The system 400 includesa wireless energy emitter component 460 that can be configured to causethe energy to emit wirelessly (e.g., to emit the energy wirelessly). Inone embodiment, the wireless energy emitter component 460 emits anenergy that is collected by one or more devices. In one embodiment, thewireless energy emitter component 460 causes the energy to emitwirelessly from a source to a destination, where the source anddestination are part of a device (e.g., the electronic device).

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a system 500 with transmitter 510and receiver 520. Transmitter 510 can transmit energy at a distance forreception by receiver 520. Transmitter 510 can convert or generateenergy capable of wireless transmission, and then transmit such energyto receiver 520. Receiver 520 can directly employ the received energy,or convert the received energy to another form (e.g., electricity)before using such energy or supplying such energy to another componentor device. Receiver 520 can receive one type of energy wirelessly, or aplurality of energy types. For example, receiver 520 can have bothsecondary coils for induction and a rectenna to receive for microwaveenergy.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a system 600 with a device 610including a receiver 630. Receiver 630 receives power wirelessly fromtransmitter 620. Receiver 630 can be permanently connected to orembedded in device 610. Alternatively, receiver 630 can be a peripheralcomponent, or standalone component capable of receiving powerindependent from device 610. Example devices include cellulartelephones, laptop computers music players, and others.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a system 700 with a plurality oftransmitters and receivers transmitting and receiving power wirelessly.Transmitter group 710 can include a plurality of transmitters. Thetransmitters of transmitter group 710 may operate using the same (ornecessarily different) wireless power techniques. The plurality ofwireless power transmitters in transmitter group 710 transfer powerwirelessly to receiver 720. Thus, a single receiver (receiver 720) canreceive power from a plurality of wireless power transmitters. Receiver720 can also receive power from transmitter 730. Further, transmitter730 provides wireless energy to receiver group 740 that can include aplurality of receivers. Thus, a single transmitter can provide energywirelessly for a plurality of receivers in receiver group 740.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a system 800 with a device 810including internal receiver 820, internal transmitter 830, and battery840. Internal receiver 820 can receiver energy wirelessly from externaltransmitter 850. The energy received by internal receiver 820 can go topowering device 810 or its components, or be used to charge battery 840.Internal transmitter 830 can transmit energy to external receiver 860via one or more wireless energy transfer techniques. Internal receiver820 and internal transmitter 830 can be combined into a singletransceiver component, or exist and/or function as two independentcomponents. Device 810 can act as a relay between external transmitter850 and external receiver 860 (e.g., to improve efficiency, to overcomedistance, to overcome interference, to establish line-of-sight, etcetera). Device 810 can store or utilize a portion of the energyreceived from external transmitter 850, or pass received energy on toexternal receiver 860. In at least one embodiment, external receiver 860can receive energy directly from external transmitter 850 distinctlyfrom or in conjunction with power from internal transmitter 830. In oneembodiment, external transmitter 850 can cease to transmit energywirelessly, but internal transmitter 830 can continue to supply energyto external receiver 860 by utilizing stored energy in battery 840 orfrom other sources (e.g., wired connection, other storage, et cetera).

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a system 900 where receiver 920receives energy wirelessly to power outlet 930. Outlet 930 can be anelectrical (or other device-powering) receptacle, socket or outletaccording to common standards or proprietary connection designs. In oneembodiment, outlet 930 can be a simple connection between two wires. Inone embodiment, outlet 930 can be a plurality of identical or differingreceptacles that provide energy (e.g., electricity) to connecteddevices. Transmitter 910 emits energy wirelessly for collection byreceiver 920. Receiver 920 can convert (if necessary) energy fromtransmitter 910, which is provided to loads connected to outlet 930. Inan embodiment, outlet 930 functions as an electrical outlet as if outlet930 were wired in a building. In one embodiment, outlet 930 can employpermission or authentication means to confirm the permission of aplugged device to receive power (e.g., passive component actuation,exchange of data, user prompt, et cetera). Plug 940 is plugged intooutlet 930 to receive energy as if the plug 940 of device 950 wasplugged into a hard-wired outlet. In this way, devices inoperable withwireless energy and lacking appropriate adaptors can still receiveenergy in a wireless energy architecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a system 1000 with a wirelessenergy receiver adapted to connect to electronic device (e.g., cellphone 1060, music player, portable television, personal digitalassistant, video player, router, printer, and others). Outlet plug 1020is connected to outlet 1010 to provide electricity to wireless energyemitter 1030. Wireless energy emitter 1030 uses the energy suppliedthrough outlet 1010 (or other energy from storage or otherconnections/sources) to emit energy wirelessly for collection by anappropriate receiver. Wireless energy receiver 1040 receives at least aportion of the energy emitted by wireless energy emitter 1030, which istransferred to cell phone 1060 via phone plug 1050. Outlet plug 1020 andphone plug 1050 can be plugs compatible with a particular socket-type,or can match a design to connect at one or more locations to a specificdevice. While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 directs itselftoward the re-charging of the cell phone 1060 (e.g., cellular telephone,smart phone, and others), it is readily appreciable that the combinationof wireless energy receiver 1040 and phone plug 1050 can be applied toother devices and contexts. In one example, wireless energy receiver1040 can be configured with a plug to connect to a household applianceto enable the household appliance to operate at least in part usingwireless energy. In another example, an aftermarket Global PositioningSystem, music player, or hands-free device used in a car can receivewireless electricity in a similar fashion, with wireless electricityprovided by the car or a plug that interfaces with a car power source(e.g., 12-volt “lighter” automobile socket). In one embodiment, thewireless energy emitter 1030 is part of a mat and the cell phone 1060can lie on the mat. A wireless physical contact (e.g., physicallytouching) can form between the wireless energy emitter 1030 and thewireless energy receiver 1040 and wireless energy can transfer along thecontact.

FIG. 11A illustrates one embodiment of a system 1100 constructed usingwired connections between components including antenna 1102, radio 1104,display 1106, keypad 1108, memory 1110, processor 1112, input 1114 andspeaker 1116. These components are wired together using various wires,solder, cables, buses, ports, et cetera. These components can belabor-intensive to assemble, and prone to manufacturing defect orfailure due to accidental damage or everyday use.

FIG. 11B illustrates one embodiment of a system 1150 constructed withoutthe use of wired connections between antenna 1152, radio 1154, display1156, keypad 1158, memory 1160, processor 1162, input 1164 and speaker1166. In one embodiment, other entities (e.g., e.g., a battery, acommunication port, and others) can have wireless connections withinsystem 1150. Employing one or more wireless data transfer techniquesand/or one or more wireless energy transfer techniques, all of thecomponents of system 1150 can interact and function in concert withoutthe need for physical connections. The components can include wirelesspower transmitters, receivers and/or transceivers, as well as wirelessdata transmitters, receivers and/or transceivers to provide the fullfunction of system 1100 without the drawbacks of a system dependent oncontinuous physical connection. While the embodiment of FIG. 11B isframed in context of handheld device, can be extended to otherinterdependent components or systems to reduce the limitations inherentto hard-wired connections. For example, a local area network, a lightingarray, or a room containing multiple pieces of equipment can exchangedata and power according to wireless techniques to reduce the need forclutter and failure resulting from physical disconnection. In oneembodiment, the system 1150 can include the wireless energy emittercomponent 460 of FIG. 4 (e.g., and other components disclosed herein)that can cause the energy to emit wirelessly from a source to adestination within a device (e.g., system 1150).

It is to be appreciated that one device can include wired and non-wiredconnections. In one example, a connection for transmitting data betweena user interface and a first storage is wired while a connection fortransmitting data between the user interface and a second store iswireless. In addition, a connection can include wired and wirelessfeatures. In one example, wireless transmission of energy and/or datacan be used. If wireless transmission fails, then wired transmission canbe used as a backup.

FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a system 1200 with energytransmitter 1210 and data transmitter 1220. Energy transmitter 1210 anddata transmitter 1220 transmit energy and data wirelessly for theoperation of device 1230. Device 1230 can evaluate the data to determinethe following operations to be performed with the data (or other actionsoccurring thereafter) and receive energy to provide power if necessary.In one embodiment, energy transmitter 1210 or data transmitter 1220 canperform this determination. In one embodiment, device 1230 can requestenergy to be transmitted when necessary for operation (in view of thedata or other activity) after receiving data. In another embodiment,device 1230 receives energy first (or energy transmitter 1210 transfersenergy first) in preparation for data to be transmitted or anticipatedactivity. In one embodiment, or energy transmitter 1210 transfers energyprior to transmission of data by data transmitter 1220 in preparationfor data to be transmitted or anticipated activity. In one embodiment,data can underlay the energy to be discovered by device 1230 (e.g.,frequency, power and other metrics or changes thereof). In oneembodiment, security, authentication, or permissions can be employed toprotect wireless energy or data from being utilized by an unauthorizedparty or device.

The following methodologies are described with reference to figuresdepicting the methodologies as a series of blocks. These methodologiesmay be referred to as methods, processes, and others. While shown as aseries of blocks, it is to be appreciated that the blocks can occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks. Additionally,blocks may not be required to perform a methodology. For example, if anexample methodology shows blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4, it may be possible forthe methodology to function with blocks 1-2-4, 1-2, 3-1-4, 2, 1-2-3-4,and others. Blocks may be wholly omitted, re-ordered, repeated or appearin combinations not depicted. Individual blocks or groups of blocks mayadditionally be combined or separated into multiple components.Furthermore, additional and/or alternative methodologies can employadditional, not illustrated blocks, or supplemental blocks not picturedcan be employed in some models or diagrams without deviating from thespirit of the features. In addition, at least a portion of themethodologies described herein may be practiced on a computer-readablemedium storing computer-executable instructions that when executed by acomputer cause the computer to perform a methodology.

FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a method 1300 for causing thepowering of components using wireless electricity. At 1310, electricitycan be collected wirelessly. Thus, at 1310, there can be collecting anenergy that is transmitted wirelessly to produce a collected energy(e.g., an energy that is transmitted wirelessly is collected). Thecollection can occur via one or more wireless energy transfertechniques, with energy originating at one or more wireless energyemission stations, and energy may change forms to or from electricity tosupply the desired form. At 1320, electricity can be supplied to one ormore components at least in part from the energy collected wirelessly at1310. Thus, at 1320, there can be supplying the collected energy to adevice.

In one embodiment, supplying the energy to the device includestransmitting the energy wirelessly to the device. In one embodiment, theenergy is collected from at least two sources. In one example, thesources are different types (e.g., a first source by a firstmanufacturer and a second source by a second manufacturer, a firstsource using a first wireless energy transmission technique and a secondsource using a second wireless energy transmission technique, andothers).

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a method 1400 for causingmanagement of wireless power and data in conjunction. At 1410, data isreceived. At 1420, a rule is evaluated in view of the data. The rule canrelate to, for example, a battery level, a credential check, acompatibility check, a load measurement, and/or the nature of the databeing transferred. In a more specific example, a battery level could beevaluated to discern whether further power is needed to receive,process, or manipulate the sent data or data to be sent. In anotherexample, credentials can be checked to verify whether a device ispermitted to access the data or wireless energy. Another example rulecould be a determination of compatibility between the device and thewireless power technique(s) in use as well as compatibility between thedevice and the data being sent. In still another example, the nature ofthe data being transferred can be assessed to infer likely actions tofollow, whether the data is appropriate or relevant, how long the datamay take to send, et cetera. If the rule fails at 1420, the data issupplied without wireless energy at 1430. However, if the rule issatisfied, wireless energy can be supplied before, after, orconcurrently with the data at 1440. It is readily appreciable that insome embodiments, variations of the method illustrated in FIG. 14 can berealized through various wireless energy management plans, such assupplying energy before data, refusing data, and energy if a rule fails,and so forth.

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a method 1500 for causingassurance of sufficient energy to perform a processing task inconjunction with data. At 1510, data is transferred for a processingoperation. At 1520, a determination is resolved as to whether sufficientenergy is available to complete goals associated with the processingtask. For example, data transfer time, task intensity, processorscheduling, operator characteristics and history, task priority,potential conflicts, available power sources, battery level et ceteracan be considered to determine whether additional energy is required tofulfill the data's intended purpose (or other goals). If sufficientenergy is not available, energy is transferred wirelessly at 1530.Energy transmission at 1530 can be for immediate use, for charging of abattery, or some combination thereof. If sufficient energy is availableat 1520, or after sufficient energy is provided at 1530, the operationcan be completed at 1540.

FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of a method 1600 for causingenforcement of rules in a wireless energy architecture. At 1610, one ormore wireless electricity sources are detected. Thereafter, at 1620, arule is tested to determine whether wireless electricity can be accessedfrom the detected source(s). The rule can relate to authentication, theamount and/or stability of alternative electric sources, the importanceof one or more electricity uses, a location, a time, a cost, a number ofother devices or traffic on a wireless electricity system, a load, etcetera. If the rule is complied with, the supplying of wirelesselectricity can be enabled at 1630, and electricity can be supplied tothe component(s) and/or device(s) at 1640.

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of a method 1700 for causingcollection of wireless energy. At 1710, wireless energy is emitted. Insome embodiments, energy can be received from a source and convertedinto another form prior to emission. At 1720, wireless energy iscollected. In some embodiments, the wireless energy can be consumed, andin other embodiments the collected wireless energy can be stored or usedto charge a battery. Wireless energy can be emitted at 1710 andcollected at 1720 at one or more points, using one or more techniques ofwireless energy transfer, at once or over a period of time, andcontinuously or intermittently.

FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a method 1800 for causingreception of wireless energy via two or more means. At 1810, energy iswirelessly transmitted by a first means (e.g., non-resonant induction,laser, et cetera). At 1820, a potentially but not necessarily differentwireless energy technique (e.g., microwave, resonant induction, etcetera) is used to transmit energy wirelessly via a second means. At1830, the energy is received according to both means. A broad spectrumof wireless energy techniques can then be utilized. One or more forms ofenergy can be converted if necessary to render the energy useful for theintended purpose at 1830.

FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment of a method 1900 for causing therelay of energy without wires. At 1910, wireless energy is transferred.Wireless energy transfer can be according to one or a diversity ofwireless energy transmission techniques, and can employ one or moretransmitters or sources. At 1920, the wireless energy is received at afirst device. The first device then transfers at least a portion of thereceived wireless energy to a second device at 1930. In this way, thefirst device acts as a relay or repeater to extend the range of thewireless energy sources, and can also mitigate other difficulties suchas interference or line-of-sight requirements.

FIG. 20 illustrates one embodiment of a method 2000 for supplying energyto a device. At 2010, an energy is collected that is transmittedwirelessly to produce a collected energy. A device can transmit awireless energy and this wireless energy can be received. In oneembodiment, the collected energy is collected from at least two sources.At 2020, a determination is made on if a rule is met. In one example, arule can be that a device running the method 2000 should be at 90% powerbefore transmission occurs. If the device is at less than 90% power,then the collected energy is used to power the device.

At 2030, a data is associated with the collected energy. In oneembodiment, data is selected and selected data is associated with thecollected energy. In one embodiment, data selection can be based on alogical association the data has with the collected energy. In anexample, the collected energy can be intended to power a battery used tosupport a volatile memory. Thus, data can be selected for associationthat is to be retained in the volatile memory (e.g., it may be logicalto send the energy and data to one area). In one embodiment, dataselection can be based on a physical association the data has with thecollected energy. In an example, if transmitting the collected energyconsumes a relatively large amount of device resources, then smallerdata portions can be selected (e.g., where transmitting smaller dataportions consume fewer device resources than larger data portions). Inone embodiment, contextual circumstances can be taken into considerationwith selecting data. In an example, if a wireless energy transfer occursand a relatively high number of errors are experienced, then alow-importance data can be selected for association since thelow-importance data may have a relatively high likelihood ofexperiencing an error.

At 2040 collected energy supply is managed and at 2050, the collectedenergy is supplied (e.g., as a wireless power cloud, to a device, andothers). In one embodiment, managing supplying of the collected energycan be in response to the rule being met. In one embodiment, managingsupplying of the collected energy based at least in part on the data. Inone embodiment, less energy or no energy can be wirelessly transmittedto devices playing games or watching videos. In an embodiment, devicestransferring data related to preferred processes (e.g., processes thatare critical, high-value, related to a plurality of devices and/orapproved) can receive energy wirelessly first, and devices operatingnon-preferred uses can receive energy after preferred uses aresatisfactorily supplied. Other means of emitting energy based on thedata will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and theseexamples are in no way exhaustive or comprehensive. In one embodiment,the collected energy is supplied along with the data after associatingthe data (at 2030). In one embodiment, supplying the collected energy tothe device includes transmitting the energy wirelessly to the device(e.g., directly to a device, directly to a specific receiver of thedevice, directly with security features (e.g., password protection), andothers). In one embodiment, the device is a first device while there issupplying the collected energy to at least a second device concurrentlywith supplying the collected energy to the first device. Supplying canbe directed to the first and second device, made available to devices(e.g., the first device and the second device) within an area, andothers.

FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment of a system 2100 that may be used inpracticing at least one aspect disclosed herein. The system 2100includes a transmitter 2110 and a receiver 2120. In one or moreembodiments, the transmitter 2110 can include reception capabilitiesand/or the receiver 2120 can include transmission capabilities. Thetransmitter 2110 and receiver 2120 can each function as a client, aserver, and others. The transmitter 2110 and receiver 2120 can eachinclude a computer-readable medium used in operation. Thecomputer-readable medium may include instructions that are executed bythe transmitter 2110 or receiver 2120 to cause the transmitter 2110 orreceiver to perform a method. The transmitter 2110 and receiver 2120 canengage in a communication with one another. This communication can overa communication medium. Example communication mediums include anintranet, an extranet, the Internet, a secured communication channel, anunsecure communication channel, radio airwaves, a hardwired channel, awireless channel, and others. Example transmitters 2110 include a basestation, a personal computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digitalassistant, and others. Example receivers 2120 include a base station, acellular telephone, personal computer, personal digital assistant, andothers. The example network system 2100 may function along a LocalAccess Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and others. The aspectsdescribed are merely an example of network structures and intended togenerally describe, rather than limit, network and/or remoteapplications of features described herein.

FIG. 22 illustrates one embodiment of a system 2200, upon which at leastone aspect disclosed herein can be practiced. In one embodiment, thesystem 2200 can be considered a computer system that can function in astand-alone manner as well as communicate with other devices (e.g., acentral server, communicate with devices through data network (e.g.,Internet) communication, etc). Information can be displayed through useof a monitor 2210 and a user can provide information through an inputdevice 2220 (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc.). In oneembodiment, the monitor 2210 is used to display the video entertainmentcommunication. A connective port 2230 can be used to engage the system2200 with other entities, such as a universal bus port, telephone line,attachment for external hard drive, and the like. Additionally, awireless communicator 2240 can be employed (e.g., that uses an antenna)to wirelessly engage the system 2200 with another device (e.g., in asecure manner with encryption, over open airwaves, and others). Aprocessor 2250 can be used to execute applications and instructions thatrelate to the system 2200. Storage can be used by the system 2200. Thestorage can be a form of a computer-readable medium. Example storageincludes random access memory 2260, read only memory 2270, ornonvolatile hard drive 2280.

The system 2200 may run program modules. Program modules can includeroutines, programs, components, data structures, logic, etc., thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.The system 2200 can function as a single-processor or multiprocessorcomputer system, minicomputer, mainframe computer, laptop computer,desktop computer, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like.

It is to be appreciated that aspects disclosed herein can be practicedthrough use of artificial intelligence techniques. In one example, adetermination or inference described herein can, in one embodiment, bemade through use of a Bayesian model, Markov model, statisticalprojection, neural networks, classifiers (e.g., linear, non-linear,etc.), using provers to analyze logical relationships, rule-basedsystems, or other technique.

While example systems, methods, and so on have been illustrated bydescribing examples, and while the examples have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe systems, methods, and so on described herein. Therefore, innovativeaspects are not limited to the specific details, the representativeapparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Thus, thisapplication is intended to embrace alterations, modifications, andvariations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Functionality described as being performed by one entity (e.g.,component, hardware item, and others) may be performed by otherentities, and individual aspects can be performed by a plurality ofentities simultaneously or otherwise. For example, functionality may bedescribed as being performed by a processor. One skilled in the art willappreciate that this functionality can be performed by differentprocessor types (e.g., a single-core processor, quad-core processor,etc.), different processor quantities (e.g., one processor, twoprocessors, etc.), a processor with other entities (e.g., a processorand storage), a non-processor entity (e.g., mechanical device), andothers.

In addition, unless otherwise stated, functionality described as asystem may function as part of a method, an apparatus, a method executedby a computer-readable medium, and other embodiments may be implementedin other embodiments. In one example, functionality included in a systemmay also be part of a method, apparatus, and others.

Where possible, example items may be combined in at least someembodiments. In one example, example items include A, B, C, and others.Thus, possible combinations include A, AB, AC, ABC, AAACCCC, AB. Othercombinations and permutations are considered in this way, to include apotentially endless number of items or duplicates thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: powering operation ofa memory component of a device using a first wirelessly collectedenergy; powering operation of a processor component of the device by asecond wirelessly collected energy; and communicating data wirelesslybetween the memory component and the processor component, wherein thememory component and the processor component are in a housing of thedevice, and wherein the device does not include a wired processor. 2.The method of claim 1, the method further comprising: powering operationof an input component using a third wirelessly collected energy, whereinthe input component is mechanically coupled with the housing, andwherein the input component is one of a keyboard, pointer, or touchscreen.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: receiving an inputfrom the input component.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:wirelessly transmitting input information associated with the input toone of the processor component or the memory component.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: initiating emission from a wireless energytransmitter within the housing of the device for powering one or more ofthe processor component and the memory component.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein initiation of the emission occurs, at least in part, based ona determination if a logical rule is met, wherein the logical ruledetermines that sufficient energy is available to complete operation ofthe memory component and operation of the processor component.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the logical rule determining that sufficientenergy is available includes: determining an amount of energy requiredto complete a next process; and comparing the amount of energy requiredto complete the next process to available power.
 8. The method of claim1, further comprising: producing a transformed data through processingthe data with the processor component.
 9. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising: transmitting the transformed data wirelessly to the memorycomponent for storage using a processor data transmitter within theprocessor component.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstwirelessly collected energy and the second wirelessly collected energyare collected from the same wireless energy emission.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first wirelessly collected energy and the secondwirelessly collected energy are collected at separate times.
 12. Asystem, comprising: a handheld electronic device including a housing; amemory housed by the housing, wherein the memory is configured toreceive wireless energy that powers the memory, wherein the memory isconfigured to send and receive wireless data; and a processor housed bythe housing, wherein the processor is configured to receive wirelessenergy that powers the processor, wherein the processor is configured tosend and receive wireless data, wherein the memory and the processorinteract by sending and receiving wireless data, and wherein thehandheld electronic device does not include a wired processor.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, further comprising a wireless energy transmitterhoused by the housing, wherein the wireless energy transmitter isconfigured to emit energy wirelessly to at least one of the memory orthe processor.
 14. The system of claim 13 further comprising a powersource coupled with the wireless energy transmitter, wherein emittedwireless energy is supplied from the power source.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the power source is a battery.
 16. The system of claim14, wherein the power source is a power cord configured to connect to anelectrical outlet.
 17. The system of claim 12, further comprising: aninput component housed by the housing of the handheld electronic device,wherein the input component is configured to receive wireless energythat powers the processor, wherein the input component is configured tosend and receive wireless data, and wherein the input component is oneof a keyboard, pointer, or touch screen.
 18. A system comprising: anon-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executableinstructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer toperform a method, the method comprising: powering operation of a memorycomponent of a device using a first wirelessly collected energy;powering operation of a processor component of the device by a secondwirelessly collected energy; and communicating data wirelessly betweenthe memory component and the processor component, wherein the memorycomponent and the processor component are in a housing of the device,and wherein the device does not include a wired processor.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18, the method comprising: powering operation of aninput component using a third wirelessly collected energy, wherein theinput component is mechanically coupled with the housing, and whereinthe input component is a touch screen.
 20. The system of claim 19, themethod comprising: receiving an input from the input component.